Division of Arthropods
open weekdays 8am - 5pm
visitors welcome by appointment
information for visitors
phone: (505) 277-1360
fax: (505) 277-1351
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Click Beetle
Photo by D.C. Lightfoot
Hexapoda, Coleoptera, Elateridae, Melanotus sp.
Description: Medium oval-elongate dark brown beetle with short legs. Females and males look similar. Many similar looking species of click beetles in New Mexico.
Geographic Distribution: Throughout New Mexico. Native.
Habitats: Yards, gardens and open areas with grasses and herbaceous plants. Adults live on the ground and plants, and larvae live in the soil and feed on plant roots.
Biology: Adults and larvae occur throughout the summer.
Health/pest Status: Not common enough to be pests despite feeding on plant roots.